In this role, I will work inside the Cabinet Office on cross-government delivery and implementation of the Government’s priorities. I’m pleased to be working under the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, and alongside other Cabinet Office Ministers including Ellie Reeves MP, The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and Georgia Gould MP.
I am deeply aware of what an immense responsibility it is to work in Government. I will work tirelessly to help deliver meaningful change and to improve the lives of working people and families up and down the country.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abena-Oppong-Asare-MP-Official-Cabinet-Office-Photo.jpg13551083Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2024-07-11 12:43:512024-07-12 11:06:47Abena appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abena-sworn-in-as-MP.png5711017Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2024-07-11 09:11:302024-07-15 09:58:31Abena sworn in as MP for Erith and Thamesmead
I am honoured and grateful for your trust and support by re-electing me as your Member of Parliament. Serving as your representative in the House of Commons is a privilege I do not take lightly, and I am committed to continuing to work tirelessly on your behalf.
Our constituency is unique, with a rich history and a dynamic demographic profile. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you who participated in the electoral process. Your engagement and commitment to our community are what make Erith and Thamesmead a wonderful place to live and work.
As your MP, I will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to you, from getting hospital and GP waiting lists down, to building a neighbourhood health service, employing additional mental health staff, improving maternity services and, campaigning for better housing to ensuring that our community remains a safe and inclusive place for all. I will also continue to advocate for better transport links for Erith and Thamesmead ensuring that our community is well-connected and well-served.
I am dedicated to addressing the challenges we face and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to another term full of opportunities and possibilities to serve you and put my best foot forward.
Thank you once again for your trust and support. Together, we can build a brighter future for Erith and Thamesmead.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DSC_1182.jpg7161200Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2024-07-05 18:44:002024-07-15 13:52:09Abena thanks constituents following re-election as MP for Erith and Thamesmead
It was great to visit the Plumstead Health Centre this month and meet all the lovely and hardworking staff at South East London Mind. You can find out more about their work here.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1000023269-scaled.jpeg19202560Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-11 15:00:002024-07-12 11:59:06Visit to Greenwich Mental Health Hub with Mind
It was wonderful to attend the opening of the new Gurdwara in Belvedere with the local Sikh community. Celebrating the important work that the Sikh community carry out and learning more about their faith was very special.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GOV6E6sXIAAkBzb.jpeg15362048Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-10 14:09:092024-07-12 12:19:31Opening of the new Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) in Belvedere
It was great to attend the Erith Town FC annual presentation evening and hand out well-earned awards to our local players, as well as recognising the massive amount of work that occurs behind the scenes.
Grassroots football is one of the key pillars of local communities, so celebrating their success is vital.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GOWreOHW8AASGIm.png773794Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-08 11:00:002024-07-12 14:11:12Erith Town Football Club Presentation Evening
This month, I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Africa Day of Celebration organised by Active Horizons. I was honoured to support an organisation who do so much to foster leadership and promote the voices of the African diaspora.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Active-Horizons-2.jpeg13662048Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-06 11:00:002024-07-12 14:37:11Active Horizons Africa Day of Celebration
Every year, the Politics Home magazine recognises 100 Women in Westminster who are leading the way in politics and public life. It was an honour to be recognised as one of the hundred women making a difference, and to be selected amongst other women trailblazers. You can read more about this event here.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/93592548-a3b0-43c6-b5c6-d72f640a876c.jpeg17062560Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-05 14:46:002024-07-12 14:46:45Recognised as one of the 100 Women in Westminster
On Sunday 5 May, it was great to join Meridian FC at their Community Football Tournament and Health Awareness Day in memory of former Meridian player, Robert Eshun. I also thank the British Society for Heart Failure for joining and raising awareness of the 400,000 people in the UK with undetected heart failure.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5b3cc387-aae0-4365-8533-cbfb58c04c4a.jpeg19202560Calum Pincheshttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngCalum Pinches2024-06-03 11:00:002024-07-12 14:48:10Community Engagement and Heart Health Education Day
Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for May 2024.
I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.
Abena
Announcement of the General Election on Thursday 4 July
The Prime Minister announced the General Election will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024. This is my last update as your Member of Parliament before Parliament is dissolved on 30 May.
It’s been an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead since 2019. If I am re-elected, I will happily continue these newsletters.
Community Engagement and Heart Health Education Day
On Sunday 5 May, it was great to join Meridian FC at their Community Football Tournament and Health Awareness Day in memory of former Meridian player, Robert Eshun. I also thank the British Society for Heart Failure for joining and raising awareness of the 400,000 people in the UK with undetected heart failure.
Active Horizons Africa Day of Celebration
This month, I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Africa Day of Celebration organised by Active Horizons. I was honoured to support an organisation who do so much to foster leadership and promote the voices of young migrants and refugees in London.
Erith Town Football Club Presentation Evening
It was great to attend the Erith Town FC annual presentation evening and hand out well-earned awards to our local players, as well as recognising the massive amount of work that occurs behind the scenes.
Grassroots football is one of the key pillars of local communities, so celebrating their success is vital. Up the Dockers!
Opening of the new Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) in Belvedere
It was also good to attend the opening of the new Gurdwara in Belvedere with the local Sikh community. Celebrating the important work that the Sikh community carry out and learning more about their faith was very special.
Visit to Greenwich Mental Health Hub with Mind
It was great to visit the Plumstead Health Centre this month and meet all the lovely and hardworking staff at South East London Mind. You can find out more about their work here.
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW)
It has also been important this month to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). In my role as Shadow Minister for Mental Health, I have been working hard on our plans to end the current mental health crisis and wrote about these issues in the New Statesman here.
I was also pleased to attend Mental Health Foundation’s reception in Parliament and to meet Mr Motivator and Jonny Wilkinson, both influential and positive voices promoting good mental health and the importance keeping active.
My Work in Parliament
This month, we winded down Parliament as the Government called a General Election. I spoke at an important debate in Westminster Hall on the need to finally reform the outdated Mental Health Act.
Furthermore:
Remembring Fusilier Lee Rigby – his month, we marked the 11th anniversary of the senseless and heartbreaking murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich. My thoughts have been with Lee’s family and friends.
Exam Season– I extend my best wishes to all those taking exams during this exam season. I hope everyone is also taking care of their mental health during this sometimes very stressful period.
Women in Parliament – I believe that more needs to be done to get women into public office, especially women from a more diverse range of backgrounds. Read more about my views in a Politics Home article here.
Knife Crime Awareness Week – It has been vital to mark this important awareness week and the need to tackle knife crime across the country.
Birth Trauma Inquiry – It was important also to join the launch reception of the Birth Trauma Inquiry’s report, which shone a light on the state of maternity care and the trauma facing too many mothers in the UK.
Maternal Healthcare – Recent data also finds that Black women are nearly 4 times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth. I shared my views on this critical issue in an article published by The Voice here.
Reading Well for Dementia– I was pleased to meet the Reading Agency team and hear about their resources for people living with dementia.
Meeting with the Health and Social Care Secretary – It was also important to have a meeting with the Health and Social Care Secretary regarding Children’s cancer reconfiguration in our area of London.
Stay updated on social media
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
